The King of Masked Singer special album will be released through music portal Bugs! on the 31st. After reflection on the opinions of viewers, who have wished for the release of these songs, this special album will contain only songs that have become a hot issue after the show’s broadcast. The album will contain ten songs in total. It will be composed of songs that have received lots of love throughout King of Masked Singer’s eight episodes, including ‘From January to June (Jang Hye Jin, Elegant Plaster Madam)’, ‘I’ll Show You (JinJu, Jingle Jingle Lark)’, ‘Emergency Room (Sandeul, Flowering Silky Fowl)’, ‘Footstep(Lee Jong Won, Help! Silverman)’, ‘Place Where You Need To Be (Changmin, That Pine Tree on Top of Namsam)’, and ‘Love Is Like Rainwater Outside The Window (Song Ji Eun, I’m Happy Because I’m A Rabbit)’.In the future, with each episode, King of Masked Singer is planning to release hit songs by the participants at the time of the show’s broadcasting. Additionally, to keep the participants’ identities hidden, their fun mask names will be used rather than their real names.Source: SportsDonga / Trans: roz @ bethe1all4one / Please remove all translations with full credits to source andtranslator.

On May 26th, Seulgi’s wish to meet B1A4 came true. Even on the morning of, Seulgi had to wear an oxygen mask. But fortunately her condition gradually got better before meeting Sandeul and Baro, and she was able to spend time with them happily in the hospital room. We were really happy too, to see Seulgi’s huge smile. For their caring approach and efforts that helped Seulgi smile so much, thank you to #B1A4 #Baro #Sandeul.^^Source: Make A Wish Korea / Trans: roz @ bethe1all4one / Please remove all translations with full credits to source andtranslator.

The secret to Oh My Girl’s teamwork was linked to B1A4. Oh My Girl stated, “All of our sunbae-nims gave us advice when they passed by us. They said that teamwork is number one, and Leader Jinyoung said a lot of helpful things to Leader Hyojung.” Hyojung continued, “Jinyoung sunbae-nim told me to always think of the members first wherever we go, and to steer away from thinking about only myself. He said that rather than thinking ‘I musn’t look bad here’, I should think of it as ‘I should do my best to avoid negatively impacting my fellow members’. He also said that whenever individual activities come up, he always thinks of his fellow members first.”

Oh My Girl has different charms than other girl groups. Rather than common sexy or hip-hop styles, they have vitamin-like charms. When you watch the eight girls brightly greet “hello” on a music program, you feel like you are looking at young and beautiful younger sisters and can’t help but smile. Oh My Girl stated that “because of our bright image like chirping baby chicks, we feel that people have been paying more attention,” and “they said they like our clear image, so we are thankful.” Though it has only been a month since their debut, Oh My Girl is gradually finding their own unique charms. Hyojung stated, “We wish for more people to know about ‘CUPID’. We wish to spread our unique and bright energy to others.”

Source: Daum/TenAsia / Trans: roz @ fyohmygirl / Please take out with full credits to source and translator.

King of Masked Singer’s Cleopatra is Kim Yeon Woo? Sandeul showed tears upon his performance, stating that he was “so happy.” When asked why he was crying, Sandeul replied, “Could I respond after we vote?”, further increasing curiosity on the reason for his tears. Afterwards he stated, “While listening to the (Cleopatra’s) song, I heard the voice of my role model and sunbae who I looked up to since my childhood, so I was so happy.”After the final round, Cleopatra won 80:19 against Jingle-Jingle Lark and became the next masked king. A number of the judges have predicted that Cleopatra is Kim Yeon Woo. Interest from viewers is growing, as they wonder if the judges’ guess will be correct.Source: sports kyunghyang / Trans: roz @ bethe1all4one / Please remove all translations with full credits to source andtranslator.

Q. How was it doing a photoshoot together? Gongchan: It was fun! (Speaking in a playful tone while looking at Sandeul) This is my first time meeting him, I would like for us to work together more in the future. His first impression is good. Sandeul: (Jokingly) Wait, you complained that I was too heavy a while ago, isn’t this inappropriate for our first interaction?Gongchan: It may be for our first interaction… but what can I do that you’re heavy? Hahaha. (Everyone laughs)Q. Haha. Before the both of you sang ‘Overwhelmed’ together. You would be a good pair if you came out as a unit. Sandeul: Thank you. See, there are many people who support us~ Some have been asking “when will you sing together again?” Should we push for such a project? Gongchan: Even if it’s not this year, we can promote around as a unit! Sandeul: We can go around all of the provinces, and go to Japan and China afterwards. Haha. When we sang ‘Overwhelmed’ I think Channie and my chemistry was ve~ry good. Q. What did you like most? Sandeul: When I was younger I was really envious of the Vienna Boys’ Choir. They were boys but sang with such beautiful voices. Channie has a voice like that, so when we sang together I really liked it. To be honest I want a voice like Channie’s, but it’s not possible. Since I am the main vocalist in the team, I think some people may have worried that Channie’s voice would be buried by mine in ‘Overwhelmed’, but in reality I felt more pressured. I had to differentiate my voice from Channie’s, so I remember thinking a lot about it. I think it was good that I was able to think about these things. Our situation actually benefitted us and we were able to better present the song in the end. Q. What does Gongchan think about his hyung saying these things? Gongchan: Thank you Sandeul, for complimenting me (in a cute voice), thank you!Truthfully, I didn’t fully understand my own voice. But during recording my hyungs said “your beautiful voice is so nice”, and they helped me during practice to make my voice fit well in the song. At times like that I feel like I’m able to understand my own voice more and more, and I’m working hard. Sandeul: Channie works very hard. He’s been trying to listen to a greater variety of music. Our nation’s music for sure, and he is even well aware of foreign music trends.It’s necessary to listen to different types of songs, but I’m the type that discovers a song I like and only listens to that song. I’m trying to learn a lot from Channie. So, I agree to a lot of the things that Channie says to me. When Channie suggests something I say, “Oh, really? Yeah I thought so too”. When I can’t come to decisions I request a lot of help from Channie.Gongchan: Nah~ it’s not like that. I still have a long way to go. Q. What do you listen to lately? Gongchan: Of foreign artists I listen to Ed Sheeran. He sings while playing the guitar, and there are songs of various genres in his album alone, so I enjoy listening to him. (While looking at Sandeul) I like him (Ed Sheeran). (Sandeul: I learn like this, I haven’t listened to him yet). I also like his song from ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ soundtrack. Sandeul: It’s important to listen to a lot of music, but I can’t do it. To me music is a de-stressor, but at the same time it’s a method of expressing emotions. So I search for music that I can express well, and listen to that a lot. In doing so, I can’t help but be musically picky. Q. Are you inclined to listen to music that helps you express your emotions more fully?Sandeul: Yes. In doing so, I’ve started to like classical music more and more. But I didn’t think this was the best, so I’ve been trying to learn from Channie.Once in a while when I listen to music with Channie, and I feel a sense of healing. When I listen to one song I have to listen to the entire album. So I think that aspect makes it harder for me to search for a bigger variety of music. Gongchan: The reason I listen to music is because I don’t know much about it just yet. Even if I learn, there are many things that are complex about music. That is why, for learning but also for healing purposes, I listen to one genre of music one day, and listen to another genre the next day. Q. What are some things you both like? Whether it is music or other things in daily life.Gongchan: Cycling!Sandeul: We are the only ones who ride our bikes after buying them. Originally we even came up with the team name ‘Bang.Ji.Teok’. But we moved to Mapo District, so we should change our team name…(Gongchan: We haven’t decided on one yet).‘Bang.Ji.Teok’ (방.지.턱) means ‘Living in Bangbae-dong, From the country-side, Riding without any reason.’ We used to ride alongside the Han River, while we listened to music from the speakers that Jinyoung Hyung attached to his bicycle. Since we moved to Mapo, the weather has been chilly so we haven’t been able to ride our bikes. But recently the ones who’ve started riding again have been Channie and myself. Initially Channie and I wanted to ride our bikes and go on a food-adventure. And we thought, wouldn’t it be nice to share with our fans afterwards. We planned to go together once a week, but because of our individual schedules we haven’t had the chance to do so.Gongchan: Ah, our (biking) team name, I remember! Since it’s just us two, ‘Majayo’! (Pointing back and forth at himself and Sandeul) ‘마포구의 자전거 타는 요 둘’ (‘These Two Riding Bicycles in Mapo-District’). Haha. For now it’s just the two of us who ride our bikes, but if one more person joins it will become ‘These Three’, and then with one more it will be ‘These Four’, ‘These Five’, it won’t be a problem increasing the team size.Sandeul: We could probably recruit people from outside B1A4? But they must live in Mapo-District. Even for ‘Bang.Ji.Teok’ we lived in Bangbae-dong, and had to have come from the countryside. This time we’ll expand it to Mapo-Gu! (T/N: Gu also means ‘nine’). Ehehe.Next time Channie and I agreed to go to Song-do. To eat seafood from a great restaurant. But the way back will probably be very difficult. Gongchan: We can just rest for two-three hours while looking around, and then come back! Sandeul: Ah but, we ride our bikes late at night right? There aren’t many people out at that time… so we ride really fast because we’re scared. Recently when I biked to Paldang-dam, it was night on the way back. I separated from the instructors I went with, and it was scary coming back by myself. It was so~ scary (imitating fast cycling) I pedaled very quickly. Soon I arrived back home. I rode more than ten kilometres without taking a break. Q. So Sandeul went to Paldang-dam. The weather has been nice, did Gongchan go anywhere? Gongchan: I went to Seoul Forest. There were couples and friends and families, having fun with their tents up, and I was very envious. I used to do that kind of stuff when I was younger…Right now everyone is busy and far away so it’s too bad I can’t do these things with them. Later when there is an opportunity I definitely want to do it. Ah, right. I would also like to play Jok-Gu (T/N: Korean sport combining aspects football and volleyball) there. And, (while looking at Sandeul) bring Mango!Sandeul: Our Mango! Mango is our family dog in Busan. Q. Do your parents live in Busan and Suncheon? Do you call them often?Sandeul: My mother monitors for me often. If she just monitored my TV appearances I could say “Ah, I see”, but she also tells me of other people’s reactions. She screen-captured someone’s comment from my appeance on MBC’s ‘King of Masked Singer’ stating ‘I didn’t know it was Sandeul.’ She even sent ‘He’s ugly’, to me! (Gongchan: He is not ugly!)She is probably wishing for me to improve further. Gongchan: But… They spoke of your face, how does one improve that?Sandeul: Plastic surgery… Ahahaha.Gongchan: No! Don’t touch~ That was the first time you put your bangs up. People didn’t recognize you because of your thick eyebrows and manly handsomeness. It’s nothing else!Sandeul: But, I don’t have any desire to get plastic surgery. Haha.Q. You should never do it. You look great on camera. You are a celebrity.Sandeul: Someone who is able to look good on camera, that is a celebrity. Of course (looking at Gongchan) there are celebrities who look good in reality too, haha. Sometimes I think about what it might be like to live as Gongchan. A bit after our debut, when I was asked ‘which member would you like to swap lives with for one day?’ I almost always answered ‘Gongchan.’ He is just so~ handsome. On the outside he has a cute image, but amongst us he is very bright. He is an awesome kid. So I become curious about how Channie thinks, and how people will react when they walk past him. Hehe. (Shyly looks at Gongchan, who is raising his eyebrow) I want to make these expressions too! Q. Gongchan, do you yourself know that you are handsome? Gongchan: No… I am gradually becoming aware of it. Haha… Sandeul: (In a cute tone) Ah, how frustrating! Gongchan: I become more handsome because of the make-up. Sandeul: Putting on make-up doesn’t even take that long for him. For me to receive my make-up it takes so long~ Gongchan: Lately it’s been taking longer. It’s because I got tanned from biking.Sandeul: You can’t cover your tan with light make-up~ this guy! Q. Actually your skin tone is darker than we first thought. Gongchan: I’m naturally a bit darker. Sandeul: But when you take his clothes off…hehe. Gongchan: Even then, I am darker. Sandeul: When you take them off, he looks healthy. When I take my clothes off… (Gongchan: He’s so pale!) I’m too pale…Gongchan: (Singing a line of Big Bang’s ‘Bae Bae’)“찹쌀떡~♬” (T/N: ‘Sticky rice cake~♬’, probably because of its white coating) This song was made for you! Sandeul: I am totally Sticky Rice Cake, but this guy’s (skin is) so taut. Taut taut~Gongchan: If Sandeul Hyung is white sticky rice cake, then I’m, what do you call it, chocolate rice crackers. Sandeul: Sticky rice pie! Gongchan: Yeah, something like that.Sandeul: Ah… even for this I guess correctly, but I don’t feel good about it.Gongchan: As expected of Hyung. You are the Hyung! Sandeul: I don’t feel good guessing correctly about food, but what can I do about that! Q. Hahaha. It’s been four years since your debut. Is there a charm about yourself that you have realized only now? With this much time that has passed, you are probably aware of the image that the public likes? Sandeul: For me… I never knew I was this talkative. When I chat a lot with my friends from Busan, they get annoyed. So back then, I didn’t talk as much. But after coming up to Seoul I didn’t have those restrictions anymore, so I was able to fly. If I was limiting myself in Busan, I’ve freed myself now. Being talkative, there are many people who say that this is a fun aspect of me. But there are times when that’s not the case, so during recording I am controlling myself a bit. Q. Do you like chatting usually? Sandeul: I con~tinue like this. Haha. When I’m with guys I’m not as talkative. When we’re together, since I’ve said a lot before, there isn’t much else to talk about. So then I start talking less, but when I meet new people I start talking more again. Q. What about gongchan? Gongchan: I’m… a twist? (Sandeul: Of course!) Just from my image I may seem pretty, quiet, and like a ‘cold city guy’. (Surprised that he said this himself) Uh, It’s been a while since I heard these words. Hehe. (Sandeul: It’s been a while) We’re behind (in trends)… Anyway, I have that image when in front of the camera or on stage. But off stage I’m entirely the opposite, and my fans look at that side of me and say ‘oh he has this side to him too, cute…’. Q. You just said “cute” from your own mouth. Gongchan: I said “cute” on behalf of my fans. Ahaha. Q. Is ‘cute’ Gongchan your usual image? Sandeul: It’s Gongchan, exactly. The talkative and cute image. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Gongchan: Originally at my hometown I was ‘까불이’ 'flibbertigibbet’ (T/N: nickname for someone who fools around a lot). But after coming up here (to Seoul) I wasn’t. Sandeul: Back then it was because Channie was unfamiliar with everything. Living together though, his secrets were revealed. But, saying this will make me look like his fan, but he is really a great kid. Even when Channie pulls pranks I can’t dislike him. He’s too cute. Gongchan: Right? Ah, that’s a relief. I felt sorry after I pulled pranks. Sandeul: When Channie fools around I say stop, and ask what is he doing, but inside I really like it. He’s so cute I go ‘ujjujju’. That’s why I suggest we go biking together too. On top of that, Channie encourages me to eat. Haha. Our hyungs look at us suggestively. When Jinyoung Hyung says ‘Bbang-Bbangie’ to me, how should I put this, he’s not saying it directly but I think he’s implying “you should lose weight”. But Channie says, “oh~ hyung, it’s okay just eat” so I say “really?” (Gongchan: When you eat, you should eat!) It would be nice to go on a food-adventure with all of the members… but I couldn’t suggest it easily. So I told Channie that we should take our bikes and go on a food-adventure. Hehe. Q. Do you talk a lot about things you wish other members would do? Sandeul: We talk about everything amongst each other. Then we try to improve. When it comes to food it’s difficult. I can’t do anything about this. Haha. Gongchan: I like Sandeulie Hyung the way he is. But lately Hyung exercises very hard. He rides his bicycle, and when there’s time he goes kickboxing. He comes home covered in sweat. Sandeul: Kickboxing… I don’t know how long I’ll commit so I don’t talk about it much. Haha.

Q. It seems like Sandeul likes learning new things. Wasn’t there a time you registered at a guitar school under your own name? Sandeul: I love to learn. Right now I’m 24, so it’s an age where I need to learn lots. Since I will continue singing, I have to look far (into the future).‘What should I do’, I think about this a lot and so I think I should take lessons for whatever I can. For this, when I do something I think it’s good to make it known. To tell people that I am doing something, then I can’t stop. Since I said I am doing, it I can’t not do it. Lately I’m learning Chinese and going on Weibo, and since I heard that there was an instructor who offers 1:1 guitar lessons I am going to go receive lessons. Gongchan: I’m the opposite of Hyung. I don’t fill my schedule fully, but rather I make it a bit freer. On this day I’ll do only this, and on another day I want to take a break so I ride my bike.Sandeul: Because of my personality, I can’t do that. Channie dislikes packing his schedule so he freely and effectively uses his time, whereas I just impulsively schedule things. Haha. Gongchan: If Sandeulie Hyung is Salary-Man, then I’m Freelancer! Sandeul: Channie called me ‘Plan-Man’. I never thought of it that way, so when he said that I was surprised. I thought I lived freely. So when he said ‘Plan-Man’ I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a compliment!’ and was thankful but couldn’t say anything. I can’t say things like ‘Thank you, sorry, I like you’ easily…Q. Is it hard expressing your emotions to each other? Sandeul: It’s me who can’t. Channie does it well. Q. Seems so, while talking Gongchan keeps softly touching his hyung, but Sandeul seems to be dodging it. (laughs) Sandeul: Hahaha. I (While imitating dodging movements) keep doing this, and Channie has been doing this for a while now.Q. It seems that Gongchan can’t not receive love from his hyungs. Sandeul: He is very good to us. Wherever we go. Recently our company debuted Oh My Girl. He tells them to be like ‘us’ wherever they go, but he hasn’t ever said ‘be like me’. So instead, I ask them if they know how Channie does things, and there was a time when I told them to do it like Channie does (Gongchan: When?) Because I’m your hyung I wanted to brag about you, so I did when you weren’t around. (Gongchan: Ah, makes me shy…)To Arin or Binnie, they are in the same position as Channie in our group, so I told them to care for their older unnies and middle unnies when they get tired.Channie cares for his hyungs when we are exhausted, and though he is the youngest he is someone who we can rely on, he’s that type of person.So I told them that if they take on that role for their unnies, they could become a huge strength for them. They also told me that they wanted to be like that.Q. When we interviewed leader Jinyoung, he said that Gongchan is ‘a maknae, but is someone who will lend his shoulder’.Sandeul: You can ask any other member and they will probably say the same. Gongchan: Well, because I can lean on all four of you! Haha. (While looking at Sandeul) I chatted with you a couple of days ago. I asked you what you thought about something, and received advice from you. Sandeul: Since Channie is our maknae he acts cute and jokes around with his hyungs and keeps things lively, but at home he is the oldest so he has the habit of caring for his younger brother. Probably because he’s used to that, although he is the maknae amongst us, Channie takes care of his hyungs very well. Gongchan: At first it was difficult figuring out what a maknae should do. There would have been specific roles as the maknae of the team, so I thought about that a lot. In the end, I decided to just be myself. Haha. Q. During your live broadcast for your 4th anniversary, you released a video of you re-enacting your ‘OK’ debut. Comparing then and now, what do you think has changed the most? Sandeul: For me it’s ‘all’. Haha. It was nice because I could think of our debut days. After celebrating our 4th anniversary, I’m going through my schedule and being hard on my body. It feels like I’m 20 again, so I’ve started to think ‘oh, I can’t keep doing this!’ Back then I was confident in my energy. I’m not saying that my energy has died down now, but thinking about back then gets me pumped. Q. 23, 24, what stage do you think you are in? Do you ever feel like you should accomplish something specific?Gongchan: If you look at our ages, generally speaking we are young. But as idols we aren’t. We’re almost in the middle. Even looking at our kids (Oh My Girl)… I was shocked. Sandeul: There are seven years between myself and maknae Arin. For Shinwoo Hyung and Jinyoung Hyung it’s eight years. Wow, mental breakdown. Haha.Since we’re talking about age, there is a song that has become a standard for me. ‘서른 즈음에’ (’Around 30′), when I sing this when I’m around 30, it would be nice to put my entire life up to that point into a single song. for a song to contain my life up to that point.And as such, I have to continue building on my current self. Around 30?? I’m thinking about singing this song. Because I set this goal, this song feels like it’s on a higher level, so I don’t think I can just sing it mindlessly.I’m still young, there are many things I have yet to know, and I am lacking. Some may think that 24 is an older age, but I think that it’s an age where I can improve and build on myself. Gongchan: I’m still young, but sometimes I think about my future family. If I ever have children, I want to become a father whose son or daughter can be proud of, and can go around saying ‘this person is my dad’. Because of that, I am working hard. Q. You are both future-oriented. What do you predict after ten years? Sandeul: I think most people think the same. When envisioning my future self, I can see what I have to do in the present. (Gongchan: I gain more strength too!) Even after ten years, I want to continue as B1A4. (Gongchan: B1A4 is here!) We continuously talk about this amongst ourselves as well. 10 years, 20 years, we wish to stay together as B1A4, while individually our colours become more clear. I don’t know what I’ll be like when I’m 34, but until then I must build upon myself well. Q. So far in your lives, has there been an experience that you feel you never want to forget?Gongchan: There are too many… My parents, but also my grandparents watch music programs and entertainment shows for me. They used to only watch traditional dramas and Live Info Show. Sometimes when we call each other, they say, ‘Oh our grandson, we’re watching you on TV.’ My grandmother and grandfather say that their friends are envious, and that they are proud of me. When they always tell me to stay healthy, and to work hard because they are watching, it touches my heart… Kyah.Sandeul: Rather than an experience, there is a period. I learned vocals from the end of 1st grade all the way to 3rd grade in high school (T/N: equivalent to grades 10-12). The songs that my teacher taught me back then are still my standards. I work hard to not forget. I didn’t know anything, but my teacher raised me up. In the case of math I can feel a sense of achievement from getting a correct answer, but for singing there are no answers so it wasn’t easy to feel that same sense of achievement. However, after I met that teacher, I developed strong competitiveness and ambition. I said in the past that I went out to a lot of national music festivals. In 1st and 2nd grade I didn’t even pass the qualification rounds. But a year later, I won awards at the same festivals. I’ve gained a lot of these things during my time with this teacher. As a person as well (I’ve gained a lot).When you watch teachers from dramas or movies, they always say ‘become a human before you sing.’ My teacher taught me this. All of the days I learned from my teacher has become my foundation. It’s something I can never forget. That’s why when we went to Busan, I introduced my teacher to Channie and the other members.Q. Teachers Day is just around the corner (this interview was done on May 7th). Is there someone you can call your ‘life mentor’? Sandeul: That teacher I mentioned before… but since I like to learn a lot, there are many teachers. Haha. Gongchan: To me my hyungs are that person. (Sandeul: The pressure. Haha) For singing and dancing as well, I came from Suncheon as a boy who didn’t know anything. But one at a time, they came to me and talked to me, taught me things, and I was gradually able to change. Even to this day, I learn from watching the hyungs. Q. When concluding your 4th anniversary broadcast, Gongchan said “I have to do better, but hyungs do even better for me and I don’t know what to do.” Firstly, is there anything you can say regarding Sandeul sitting next to you? Gongchan: You call it ‘mental breakdown’ right? Sometimes that happens to me. When that happens I can’t pull myself together, I just let everything go and sit still. After practicing on my own I’ll think, ‘Is this progress? Am I improving?’ Sometimes I think these things. At the moments where I feel like I don’t know what more to do, Sandeulie Hyung came and gave me advice, telling me that practice is like a staircase. He said that I can go up the stairs far, one step at a time, and there will be plenty more staircases ahead of me. But these stairs have no end. Q. You compared practice and improvement to stairs, how far up do you think B1A4 has come over the years? Sandeul: Ah… this is a very difficult question. Regarding singing or practice, I used the image of stairs because I always come across a slump. If I go up high I can fall down, and I can go back up again. If I don’t practice I will go down. It repeats like that… but right now I feel like I’m walking in the same spot. This is about my singing, and when I talk about our position I have to be more objective. To me, I like right now. It’s been over four years since we’ve been together. During these four years we ran without stopping. If there was one member who was doing well somewhere else we didn’t feel jealousy. Instead we say, ‘do well, if you do well there I’ll do my part, and when we unite as B1A4 we’ll do well here’. For us to be talking about these things, I think that our team has come up far. When thinking about external people’s views toward us I think we have lots of room for improvement, but amongst us I think we help each other and are going up these stairs one step at a time. Rather than thinking about the number of steps we have to go, we come together and climb, so it doesn’t feel as difficult. Like the distance we have climbed so far the steps are challenging and difficult, but because we came here together I don’t have many memories of the difficult times. We kept the mentality of ‘we just need to work together’. I really like that. Gongchan: To be honest, there is a lot left ahead of us. That’s all I can say. Things to do, things to show, there is a lot left. Q. What sides of you do you want to show? Gongchan: (Following this question, Gongchan spent quite some time in his own thoughts) For now I want to show my true image of just the way I am.There’s B1A4, but when thinking globally there are many who do not know about us yet, so for now I want to show them my true image. After that I feel I will be able to do whatever else better. Q. Do you feel that you understand yourself well? Gongchan: No, I don’t. There are times where I surprise myself. I think, ‘was there this side to me?’If I refer to my image as ‘1′, then I thought ‘1′ was it. But after coming into B1A4, as a maknae I attained ‘2′. I didn’t know I had this side to me, but I realized and surprised myself. Appearing on TV I recognized ‘3′, there are many. Looking at that, I think that I am learning a lot doing what I do. Sandeul: Every single thing that we experience piles up. I think these things are very important. Q. Lastly, let’s conclude with anything you want to say to each other.Sandeul: How did time fly so quickly?Gongchan: (While pulling out his hand) Rock paper scissors.Sandeul: How can I win you with rock paper scissors! (Sandeul loses to Gongchan) This is embarrassing…Gongchan: Please do it~ Sandeul: You’re going to go elsewhere and brag to people.Gongchan: I only found out today. If you didn’t say I wouldn’t have ever known. Sandeul: Ah, so…hehe. (Clearing his throat) I think that the reason we can become even closer and be happy when we’re together… um… is because all of us love the work we are doing. The most important thing, moving forwards, is to be healthy….Ah, why can’t I speak. We…should do well right? Hahahaha. Can you go first? Gongchan: All we need to do is just do it. Not more, not less, just the way we are now is good. I wish for us to continue on like now. As each day passes the relationships between our members is becoming stronger. We’re not related by blood, but we are brothers. (Sandeulie) Hyung doesn’t express it well, you don’t say ‘I love you’ to your family that much either. Despite that, I can feel it, so even if you don’t (express yourself often) I never get upset. I know well anyway. Hyung thinks of us in that way, so I would be fine just continuing on as we do now. Sandeul: Me too! I like things as they are. As we pull each other from the front and push each other from the back, and stay healthy, I would like for us to go on for a very long time.

B1A4′s Sandeul apologized publicly to a female high school student, and it has become quite a topic. The reason for Sandeul’s public apology has to do with the high school student’s mother~It turns out that student Yoon Eunji is troubled due to her mother’s intense love for Sandeul.She even says that there are more photos of Sandeul than family photos in their home! Sandeul here! Sandeul there! Sandeul everywhere! Eunji’s mother even chose Sandeul as her daughter’s desired wedding partner. Sandeul came to meet Eunji who is struggling because of her mother’s Sandeul obsession.With a sweet video message and even a surprise present for Eunji and Sunghwa Girls High School! Sandeul and Eunji’s meeting will be revealed on Golden Bell Challenge!Source: bambolmiso / golden bell challenge kbs / Trans: roz @ bethe1all4one / Please remove all translations with full credits to source and translator.

Musicals these days are full of idols. The musical ‘Chess’ in June likewise has a cast of 4 idols. 2AM Jo Kwon, B1A4 CNU, VIXX Ken and SHINee Key. It may be the perfect composition to look upon them with prejudice, but they are quite serious. Jo Kwon thinks about 'Chess’ “all the time - when I’m brushing my teeth or doing my business”. They are so into the role and production that Ken heads towards the musical practice room at 10pm, and CNU gets inspiration for his song production while practicing for 'Chess’. But there is a stone set on the shoulders of these men, and they cannot do anything about this situation. We meet Jo Kwon, CNU and Ken ahead of their first show to listen to them.

Musicals seem to be really difficult. You have to sing well, dance and act. But why do idols choose to do musicals in particular?

Jo Kwon: I’ve always been a musical person. Honestly there have been many offers but I said I could not do them. Even though it has gotten better, but there are many unfavorable opinions about idols taking on the challenge of musicals. Many idols opened the bottle cap without enough practice so it’s overflowomg now. When you get criticism, people can’t help but to become judgmental. Those who do musicals without enough preparation, those who do musicals without a choice after looking at the guarantees, and the friends who think “I have nothing else to do so I should eat and live by doing musicals”. I felt that these friends made the liquid in the bottle overflow. I wanted to break out of that judgement.CNU: The perception that comes with the title of idol is a problem that we have to face. I don’t want to deny it, or say that I hate it. Instead we should face it, and make people forget (that perception) by showing them more. No matter what, we are idols right at our roots.This is CNU and Ken’s first challenge at a musical.CNU: I’ve wanted to do musicals from when I first debuted. Honestly there had been opportunities where the conditions allowed for it, but I had a lot of worries about what should I be engrossed in. But it so happened that we’re on break from album promotions and it’s such a great production that I ended up challenging it.Ken: There was pressure when I first heard that we were going to be doing this on such a huge stage. Come to think of it, it’s my first time but it’s such a huge opportunity. I felt that I needed to do well, and I became nervous. Half confidence, half nervousness?In the eyes of Jo Kwon, what do you think of the skills of the others? Compared to them you’re a senior.Jo Kwon: Am I good enough to be a senior? (laugh) Well first I told them about the basics. There’s something called 'critical audience’. “This is not a concert, but a performance. If you hold your fellow actors in regard, please post in your official fancafe to tell your fans not to scream. Tell them to show themselves to be different from the other fans. (The musical) is going to be different from what these friends have been doing. In the case of CNU and Ken, it’s goimg to be their debut production. I"m looking forward to it, but I’m also worried. Depending on how they do on stage, the judgement of the audience will differ. I think it’s professional to know how to give up bravely when something is not yours even after you’ve worked hard for it.(omitted question for Jo Kwon)Don’t idols date? You need to date to film a love scene. Not too long ago, Baro had a scandal with Kim Yoojung, I think you might have been envious.CNU: We shouldn’t be dating yet. People are seriously funny, Kim Yoojung is only 17 years old, what are they thinking. She’s just a young student, how could they think of her that way? I was also watching the match live, and I thought 'wow, they’re getting so much screen time’ and 'oh they went to watch soccer together’. But the news article mentioned them being in a relationship and the likes.Ken: I learned how to act out being in love by watching other shows. You know how people tease other by asking if they learned about love through words? It’s really like that for me. I dated before I debuted, but we broke up when I entered the company. In any case, idols don’t date (laugh).(omitted question to Jo Kwon)There are particularly many acting-dols in B1A4. If you were to give them a score?CNU: When I see what Baro and Jinyoung are doing, I feel so proud. There’s many things that I have to learn from them so giving them a score is a little… (thinks intently) Not 10 points, but maybe 5? Am I too stingy? Only that way they will work harder.(omitted questions for Ken and Jo Kwon)Let’s end off coolly. What do you wish remains after this musical ends?(omitted Jo Kwon and Ken’s answers)CNU: I hope (what remains) would be a person who does well. I will work hard. (laugh)Source: High Cut (scans by @cnumiso0616)Translation Credits: skipfirePlease remove all translations with full credits to source andtranslator

Idols are well-rounded. To them, differentiating between dance, singing and acting is meaningless. The question 'why is he not acting, even though he's an idol?' nowadays may be more practical. Musicals have become a stage where they are able to show off their talents and gifts without any filtering, and feel the applause and cheers of the audience. Maybe that is why there are more idols growing their careers as a musical actor, beyond just expanding their fields. It is this attitude of theirs that the cynical viewpoint of idols simply being 'ticket sellers' is becoming powerless.

(omitted introduction about Jo Kwon)

Playing the role of Anatoly, 'Chess' is CNU's musical debut. He's been on the lookout for an opportunity to enter the musical scene, and is carefully taking his first step. CNU is in charge of vocals and rap in B1A4. Unlike the other members who have been active in their individual activities through dramas and variety shows, he has been quiet. Upon gaining mechnical time and a peace of mind, he is finally showing his determination.

'Chess' is about ambitions, love and political conflict that breaks out at the world chess championships between American champion Freddie Trumper and Russian champion Anatoly Karpov. Both Jo Kwon and CNU are still baby-faced. The image of how they will look playing the role of Anatoly does not come easily. But we see the mature musical actor Jo Kwon cheering on his junior CNU, and a tacitum and sincere rookie musical actor CNU.

The lead role of Anatoly is being taken on by a full idol cast. Being of similar age ranges, there is bound to be a war of nerves.CNU: Not at all. I do not think it's time to be competitive.Jo Kwon: There is no time to be using up our emotions being that. There is only 1 month to practice, and the amount of things to do is as high as a mountain. All 4 of us are feeling the burden and are nervous. In a week, we practice about 5~6 hours a day. Recently my mind is only filled with 'Chess'.

Even though it's the same character, the character's personality is different depending on who is the actor. What have you been doing to express Anatoly in your own way?Jo Kwon: We react to how the general public sees us. All 4 of us look so different, and I think even if we just stood on stage without saying anything our images would be totally different. Even without much work, our chemistry with the other actors and the overall feeling will definitely be different. Of course individually, the Anatoly character will also be different.

What character is Anatoly?Jo Kwon: He is Russian, and the protagonist of a star-crossed love. He is nothing like me. I have never been to Russia, I'm not that old and I'm unmarried. I have no experience in being married then cheating on my wife (laugh). To us, it hits home better when we regard it as a virtual reality. We think a lot about how to solve this gap between ourselves and the character. Honestly, our voices and looks are very boyish. But instead of lowering our voice by a tone against our will to create an imposing feeling, we try to maintain our voices naturally.

CNU, this is your first musical.CNU: Since this is the premiere of this musical (in Korea) and my first musical I am feeling very burdened. That is why I look very closely at the other actors in the other roles, as well as Jo Kwon. Honestly, just looking at the seniors give me inspiration. I also take into account how the actors express themselves by watching videos of 'Chess' in Broadway.

From the name of the production and flow of the content, chess plays a very important role. When we were taking pictures, CNU mentioned that he is totally unfamiliar with playing chess.CNU: It would have been good if I could learn it beforehand... (laugh).Jo Kwon: We will get used to it as we practice. Just like a jigsaw puzzle, everything has a start and an end. It is the same for concerts and performances (laugh). I haven't done many musicals, but when I did 'Priscilla' and my debut musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' I ran into difficulties too. There are many scenes that we play chess in the musical, so it's possible that we become great chess players as we practice and get used to it. It will take its place so long we do it naturally. But of course it needs to take its place before the first show, and not at the last show. You will go, "Ah, I'm just getting the grasp of it now, but it's ending already?"

Is the casting schedule out? Who is doing the first show?CNU: It's Ken.Jo Kwon: He will be feeling really burdened. It's the premiere of a masterpiece, and on a stage as huge as the Sejong Cultural Centre. And the key important role of Anatoly is being taken on by 4 idols. Musical fans will probably be looking on at us with half anticipation and half worry. I hope that all 4 of us can receive favourable comments, instead of unfavourable ones.

The centre of gravity will probably be on Key and Jo Kwon, who have more experiences with musicals.CNU: That's right. Ken and I depend (on each other) very much. We don't express it but in my heart I tend to lean on him.Jo Kwon: Me too, as I think 'I'm not the only singer here!' (laugh).

Doesn't the musical stage feel strange since it's a different field from the stages that you have stood on as a singer?CNU: When we practice, there are about 30 people in the chorus and the musical director. It is definitely a different vibe from the practice room that we dance and sing in. I'm now used to that, but perhaps due to the pressure I keep wanting to go to the washroom. I clearly went before practice started but I keep wanting to go again... (laugh). Unconsciously the psychological pressure is huge. Oh yes, we had a group dinner a couple of days ago. Jo Kwon: CNU stayed till the end.CNU: I spoke to the seniors over alcohol, and contrary to everyone's image they all treated me very comfortably. I grew a lot closer to Shin Sungwoo who is taking on the role of my rival Freddie - he has the same surname as me and is of the same generation in the clan.Jo Kwon: That's why it went on for so long huh? (laugh)

Idols have so many overseas schedules that it's tough to even match practice schedules. There has been talk of conflict with the other actors due to that.Jo Kwon: That is all dependent on oneself. Whether you have many or little schedules, even if your drama and album promotions overlap with each other it depends on how you handle it. If you cannot turn up for practice, you should have the basic courtesy to practice to your best efforts alone. That way the seniors and other actors will look upon you favourably. All 4 of us are very clear about that. Honestly, to have overlapping schedules is so tiring I feel it to my bones. When I did 'Jesus Christ Superstar', it overlapped with my drama filming, and I thought to myself that this is not something that humans should be doing. Back then I think I was too greedy by wanting to have the best of both worlds. As expected, greed destroys a person (laugh). I think it's more sensible to be doing just one thing at a time.CNU: Right now I feel like I'm biting off more than I can chew. Because of the production of songs for our next album... It's worrying.Jo Kwon: This is also dependent on oneself. Anyway back then I did well in both my musical and drama so I believe you can do it too.

Have you watched any of Jo Kwon's musicals personally before?CNU: I did not manage to watch it personally but I did look out for what musicals he did.(omitted question for Jo Kwon)

There must have been many musical offers, but what is the reason you chose 'Chess' as your debut piece?CNU: I've always wanted to do musicals. Previously there have been several opportunities but due to various conditions I did not manage to do them. Right now we are taking a break from album promotions, and I feel mentally calm. Should I say that I have the peaceful mind that will allow me to focus completely on the musical..? Even though we have not done the first show yet, I feel that it was good for me to have taken on this challenge. In the time I have been practicing for the musical, I've managed to write one song. I'm receiving lots of inspirations (from the musical).

After being in a group as an idol, there seems to be thirst for a personal activities.(omitted Jo Kwon's answer)CNU: Ever since I was young, I've always prepared to enter the course of applied music as a student. And by a stroke of luck I managed to become a trainee and eventually debut. While doing the musical, I've started to think about the vocalizations and sounds that that I'd set aside. It feels like I'm back to my roots.(omitted question for Jo Kwon)

Despite a packed schedule, idols take out time to do musicals. What's the reason to do it to the point of overworking?CNU: It's not that only idols specially feel the charm of musicals, but musical is a genre that is very charming in itself. There are many people who are captivated by musicals, and I think idols are just one part of those people.Jo Kwon: I think the title of 'idol' is very restrictive in our country. It is true that even if we do the same thing (as others), being an idol has its merits. That is also why people have a prejudice towards us. Because of this, whenever idols do musicals we have to think very hard about it. It's only right to do musicals only when we are fully prepared and have a earnest passion for me. Rather than having indsets like 'since the company is asking me to do, I should do it,' and 'other idols are doing it, shall I do it too?', it's important to think that since we are already doing it, we should work hard at it. This difference in mindset changes the results. The general public judges us cool-headedly.

When you are on stage, can you differentiate fans and general public by the sounds of their applause and cheers?Jo Kwon: During curtain call, it's very obvious. Fans have this very special atmosphere. In the few seconds that we walk to the front, it's very obvious who is my fan and who is not. During the meeting with the staff for this musical, this topic came up. Since all 4 of us are idols, we should put up notices on our official fancafe in advance (laugh). We are concerned about whether the fans who come watch us will react hugely to the love line and kiss scene. In 'Chess', the kiss scene is a really important one, but if the fans start screaming then we're in trouble. I think all 4 of us need to write a letter to our fans before our first stage. "Please look at it interestingly, please look at it only as acting."

Is it a deep kiss?Jo Kwon: Come and see it for yourself.CNU: In order to be immersed in my emotions, even if it's not a deep kiss I will do a deep one (laugh).

This production is probably a challenge even to the agency who decided on an all-idol cast for the lead role.Jo Kwon: I've watched the version done by popera singer Josh Groban, and he also has a boyish feel to him. I felt hopeful watching that. That version of 'Chess' ended up having 90% of the Josh Groban feel. It was a case where the artiste absorbed himself into the production and created a synergy. We may be young but as long as we express ourselves well I think the audience will be pulled in too.

As a musical actor, what sort of picture are you drawing?CNU: Firstly, I feel the need to do well in my first production. The meaning of my name is 'a friend you can believe in' [T/N: 信(신) is the hanja for belief and 友(우) is the hanja for friend.] I want to be like what my name represents. An actor that the audience can believe in and watch on. I would be committing a huge discourtesy if the audience is all anxious and sleepy upon seeing me on stage, right?(omitted Jo Kwon's answer)

Source: @hheajin8 / Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com / Please take out with full credits to source and translator.